News: Ministry Mulls Building Affordable Houses on Waqf Land

The Housing and Local Government Ministry plans to build affordable homes on waqf land to cater to the housing needs of the bottom 40 percent of the Malaysian households, reported Bernama.

In fact, it would be made mandatory for state governments to offer waqf land for the said purpose, said its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.

This comes as most of those in the B40 group have five to six children and live in homes measuring 650 sq ft only.

“They should actually be given comfortable and liveable roofs (house) over their heads,” she said after officiating the annual general meeting of the Malaysian Islamic Chamber of Commerce.

Zuraida, who also serves as Ampang Member of Parliament, revealed that the ministry would make it mandatory for affordable homes to be 900 sq ft in size, while the housing project should feature recreational facilities and a surau.

Citing by way of example, she noted that the construction cost of a housing project would be much lower if it is handled by the state – making the retail prices of homes within the reach of the B40 group.

“Compliance cost will also be lowered including for water and electricity,” she added.